Positive Correlation between Left Hemisphere Lesion and Erectile Dysfunction in Post-Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a serious health condition and the leading cause of disability, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The mechanisms and factors that predict ED in stroke are not fully elucidated. Several studies have shown a relationship between the location of the lesion in stroke with the onset of ED. The left hemispheric lesion was believed to disrupt the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the regulation of erection. Stroke attack in this region therefore can be the underlying reason for ED. However, there are still contradictory findings in this area, and very few studies attempted to look at this problem, particularly among Asian male.

Aim: We would like to evaluate the association between left hemisphere lesion after ischemic stroke and the subsequent risk of developing ED.

Methods: The study was conducted in the neurology polyclinic of Sanglah and Wangaya Hospital from February to August 2013. Subjects are all post-stroke patients who visited the neurology polyclinic of Sanglah and Wangaya Hospital that met inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: There is a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between left hemisphere lesions and ED in stroke patients with a correlation coefficient (r) = 0.361 which means weak correlation and p = 0.032.

Conclusion: Left hemisphere lesions positively correlated with ED in stroke patients. Further longitudinal research is needed to see whether left hemisphere lesion in post-stroke patients is a risk factor for ED.

Keywords: Erectile dysfunction; Left hemisphere lesion; Parasympathetic nervous system; Stroke.